How Fast Are We Developing

As you all know, I'm studying Anatomy and Physiology in preparation for a second career in nursing. Throughout the coursework, I have come upon bits of information that the text states "...was just discovered in 2006..." or other facts that I believed to be true, which are now known to be false. On an impartial level none of this is a real shock, but on some emotional level it can be disturbing to realize that things making up your/my foundational years and underpinning are no longer relevant. But to spend more than a fleeting moment saying to myself "You've gotta be kidding! That's not the way it works anymore?" is pretty useless. In fact, one of the cool things about going back to college is the fact that I do get the "latest and greatest" even if that won't be the latest and greatest for long.

The link below has been making its way around the internet, and it really points out well the shocking statistics about our changing world, and says it much better than can I. Hang on, because it moves by rapidly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY

Cheers!
Ima

To Honor The Men In My Life

I just received the nicest email from the young man who was my lab instructor last quarter, congratulating me on my final course grade. It got me thinking of the various men who have made such an impact on my life, some of whom are still very much with me. Women are great at keeping the "girls" in their lives close, but we don't necessarily do so for those of the opposite sex. So, here goes....

Thank you to my dad, who is up in heaven and now really knows that I'll always be "Daddy's Little Girl." He was my first and very biggest fan. Next on the list is another "always been there for me" supporter: my brother Rick. There is no one in the world I love more, and I know he feels the same about me. I also am thankful for my ex-husband (no shock, please) who for over twenty years was my biggest support, and constantly believed in me early in my career when I did not. Marriages are hard, and it takes two to make one; I didn't do all I could, in retrospect. Fortunately time heals and gives us a mature perspective. Thank you to my ex-brother-in-law for caring for me even through the divorce, and who is now and has always been a friend. I hope and trust that this will never change. Thanks also go out to my bosses who have without exception been supportive and encouraging of me and my career. Finally, my three "boys" Tank, Easton, and Buddy (the dogs), who love me so unconditionally as only they can.

But my heart and all the love in it goes to my husband. He is kind, a great conversationalist, handsome, loving, ethical, smart, funny, and in his quiet way he supports my goals and props me up when I hit the bottom. He is a treasure. I am honored to be his partner.

I hope this prompts you ladies to thank the men in your life, too!
Cheers!
Ima

It Doesn't Cost a Red Cent

A tip of my hat to Dr. Philip Crosby. About thirty years ago he wrote a book that was a fixture in everyone's business library. It's titled Quality is Free. No truer statement about business has ever been made, and made so simply. Tonight I thought about the topic of quality, and how it is demonstrated (or not) in every facet of our lives.

I was enjoying my meal break, eating a lovely salmon nicoise salad at the Cafe Bistro, located in the store where I work. My server was a man who has taken care of me there at the restaurant since the store opened, and is a true joy to be around. He takes the time to know the little details about his customers and their preferences. He pays attention. He watches and anticipates customer needs. Whether you are in his section or not, his eyes are moving around the room looking for opportunities to make the customer happy. His shoes are polished; his uniform is pressed. He views "service" not in a negative sense...not as "servitude"...but as something he does with pride.

Nothing in that demonstration of service excellence costs him or the company a dime. It's all free. Yet what a difference it makes when a service provider does not take the time to do these things. I appreciate the fact that I work with high quality people who do this kind of work with pride. And, if you haven't read the book...do so. It's timeless.

Cheers!
Ima

We Can't Get There Alone

Well, I got an "A". Absolutely worked by posterior off to get it, but did so just the same. That makes up for the "C" I got in the first section, and puts me right where I need to be to keep at least a 3.0 for all of my prerequisite classes. I'm full of emotion today. Coming off a lousy cold, so maybe my nerves are a bit frayed from that, too. But mostly I am so very thankful for those supportive people around me who are making this journey so much easier than it would be otherwise. Dr. Bankston, my initial supporter and mentor. My husband who picks up the household pieces so I can do this. My boss and colleagues at work who make it so I can work a schedule that supports this effort, and who help me when I need time off. My study partners who have kept me feeling confident, and who have provided their help with learning, study, and just how to maneuver this big university. My professors, graduate instructors, and supplemental instructors who have extended themselves and who have been as happy for me as I am, when I accomplish a grade.

So it's just like in Corporate America and life in general, I guess. We simply can't get "there"...wherever and whatever "there" might be...and do it alone.

My sincere thanks to all of those who are with me now, and who have been with me as a support throughout my life. Sorry it took so long to say it.

Cheers!
Ima

How Generous My Husband Is!

WOW. Am I lucky! My husband generously offered his time to help me prepare for my Lab Practical Exam that I took yesterday. He's really motivated to help me get an A. Or could it be something else? Hmmm. Subject for the test? Male genitalia (and female, and gametogenesis.)

Must be testosterone poisoning, and that Y chromosome.
Cheers!

Ima

Drinking From A Fire Hose

People have asked me what it's like to take Anatomy and Physiology at the college level. Well, in three weeks (6 classes) we have to learn all of the senses from a macro and cellular perspective, all of the endocrine glands, hormones, target organ/tissues and cellular effects, the autonomic nervous system (including differences between parasympathetic and sympathetic systems) and innervations on target organs and structures, male and female reproductive systems, meiosis, and the cellular differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and the reproductive hormones. We have to understand what cells are cholinergic, muscotinic, and nicotinic, and what that means/what difference it makes; understand the action potentials created by ligand-gated proteins and which are accomplished via G-proteins. Yadda-yadda-yadda.

Kind of like drinking water from a fire hose.

Hope some of it sticks in this ol' brainpan!!! Final exam the 16th.
Cheers!
Ima

All Work and No Play....

OK, you've heard the expression. And this "Jack" (or Jill, as the case may be) wants to be a lot of things, but DULL isn't one of them. Now with school a little bit more under control and my job in great shape, I have decided to get into a new hobby in the spring. I've been reading a lot about it, and am fascinated by the whole process. What is it? BEEKEEPING

Now, stop laughing. First, it's important to do for the benefit of our gardens, and our gardens and plant life in general. Many of the bee hives worldwide died off a few years ago (actually it's been an ongoing problem) and science is still puzzled about why. But without bees we have no vegetables, no fruit, no flowers. Some countries (China, for one) have even resorted to humans hand-pollinating fruit trees so that there is no mass shortage. Serious stuff! I just can't see myself out in our vegetable garden this spring, with a little paintbrush in hand moving pollen from blossom to blossom....but I digress. Also, I determined that it's either bees or get some laying hens, but my neighbors might like that less and they take a bunch more daily work!

Second, once the hive is established (did you know you can buy the hives and bees by mail?!?) you add a food source (like when you put out sugar water for your hummingbirds) and the bees do their thing! Very limited maintenance required, and after a period of time you have comb and honey you can harvest. And, like anything you do yourself, you know where the food came from, and the quality of its production and packaging. You can then use the wax to make candles, great bar soap, etc. Then, after tidying up the hive, the bees stay there (hopefully) over the winter if you supply some food, and they are established for yearly production. I'm thinking that I might invite my neighbor's son to be a part of this project. His Mom is a single parent and it's good for him to have interaction with adults. This all might be a lot of work for a few days, but like home canning, it's sure worth it for the end product.

So, I'll keep you posted. But I figure that all of us need to make sure we have lives enriched by lots of things....books (not just anatomy, thank you very much), hobbies, friends and family, church, whatever. And, if you are good, I might just share my golden honey when I get into production!

Till Later...
Cheers!
Ima